1) The plaster
is not turning white; it is actually a scale that has formed on the surface of the plaster. This is similar to the scale that
forms on a shower door or bathroom surfaces.
Solution: To remove the scale, a drain and acid wash/polish will remove
the scale. THIS NEEDS TO BE PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL. To maintain the pool and keep this from forming,
keep pH levels between 7.2 & 7.6 consistently. Also, you may consider using a scale inhibitor. Back to top
2) All pools will
lose water due to atmosoheric & environmental circumstances (wind, sun, water features, swimmer splash-out, etc). No two
pools are alike, so it is difficult and inaccurate to compare your loss to someone else's pool. The way to assess your
water loss is to a) With your pool filled to its normal level, place a bucket on the top step filled and marked to the normal
pool level. b) Allow the pool to sit for 24 hours without running pump/filter/cleaner or using the pool in any way.
Compare the level of the water in the bucket to the pool water level. A pool with no leak will be very close to the level of
the water in the bucket. c) Repeat this process now running each pump or feature seperately for at least 24 hours. Compare
the level of the water in the bucket to the pool level to determine if running each feature changes the pool level. Please
note that running features will accelerate evaporation in the pool water versus the bucket. Expect a tolerance of
up to 1/4" or more depending on the size of your feature.
If you notice a marked departure in the water levels, consider a leak
detection by a qualified professional. Back to top
3) Stains can be caused by different elements. Some are organic, metals, scaling,
etc. First, determine the type of stain. The best way is to get a stain identification kit. Next, follow its directions to
use the recomended treatment. The best way to keep from getting stains is to a) keep chemical balance correct in pool constistently
b) never allow fertilizers to be dropped into the pool. Consider using a liquid fertilizer so fertilizer granules and pellets
do not get into pool. As a note, rust stains are virtually never caused by rebar rusing through the gunite or plaster, but by
metals introduced to the water and electrolysis caused by rebar being used a s the grounding element in a pool (some cities require
this type of construction) Back to top
4) Pebble finishes will lose several pounds of pebbles initially. This is due to extra
pebbles being installed for consistent coverage. When your pool cleaner is installed, it is normal to remove several bags of
pebbles. Back to top
5) It is imperative to brush your pool finish at least 2-3 times per day for a couple weeks and once a week thereafter.
Initially, this will inhibit alkali sediment and undisolved solids from settling and curing to the pool surface. This
will also keep organic elements (leaves & algae) from staining the pool surface. The more you brush, the better!
